adj

cheery

CHEER-ree

Cheery (adj) means happy and cheerful in a light, easygoing way. Example: “She gave a cheery wave from across the street.”

adj

Happy and cheerful in a light, easygoing way.

"She gave a cheery wave from across the street."

How to Use Cheery

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishIn good, upbeat spirits — very close in meaning to cheerful.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "cherry" (the fruit) — same sound cluster, unrelated words.

Easily confused with

cherry →

cheerier comparative, cheeriest superlative

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Can you complete this real example?

She gave a _____ wave from across the street.

From Middle English cheri, built from cheer plus -y.

Origin: Middle English

very every fiery query leery emery Avery artery celery bakery finery ornery

What does “cheery” mean?

The word “cheery” means happy and cheerful in a light, easygoing way. In plain terms, in good, upbeat spirits — very close in meaning to cheerful.

How do you pronounce “cheery”?

“Cheery” is pronounced CHEER-ree (/ˈt͡ʃɪɚi/ in IPA).

How do you use “cheery” in a sentence?

Here is “cheery” used in a sentence: “She gave a cheery wave from across the street.”

What part of speech is “cheery”?

“Cheery” is an adjective.

Where does the word “cheery” come from?

The word “cheery” comes from Middle English. From Middle English cheri, built from cheer plus -y.